Do sales conversations make you feel awkward or pushy? It’s time to ditch the outdated salesy strategies. Your guide, Nikki Rausch, will show you how to combine kindness with selling skills to meet your prospects where they are. And in the process, how to uplevel your influence and income. Learn how to earn business easily and effortlessly.
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From hitting the rock bottom of drugs, divorce, bankruptcy and even the death of an 18 month old daughter to running the planning & marketing of some of corporate america’s finest companies. My name is Tracy Brinkmann an entrepreneur, author and uplifting coach. You see, I know that life isn’t fair and participation awards do not feed your family… I invite you to learn from a fellow Dark Horse all that I have learned and am still learning about starting, restarting, kick starting and steppin ...
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Listen to Mike Filsaime discuss the latest news and strategies from the world of Internet Marketing.
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EP 479 Building a Value Ladder From Core Offer to Upsells and Downsells
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In Episode 479 of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur, Tracy Brinkmann delves into the transformative strategy of building a value ladder to boost your business growth. Learn how to align upsells and downsells with your core offer, follow real-world examples, and get actionable steps for creating a strategic value ladder that maximizes your customer lifeti…
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Creating An Upsell Offer vs. a Downsell Offer - On-Air Coaching with Melissa Spaulding
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Therapists often spend their time focusing on finding ways to help their clients, yet they are also running a business, and sales are an important part of that business. Today's episode features an on-air coaching call with one of our amazing Sales Maven Society members, Melissa Spaulding, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and EMDRIA cons…
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EP 480 Effective Customer Journey Mapping: Enhancing Experience from Awareness to Advocacy
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In Episode 480 of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur, host Tracy Brinkmann explores the power of effective customer journey mapping. Understand the five critical stages—Awareness, Consideration, Purchase, Retention, Advocacy—and learn key techniques to optimize each touchpoint. With actionable tips and essential tools, this episode guides you to create a …
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Proven Sales Success - When to Follow Expert Advice
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Most people want sales success. To achieve it, they often need to step out of their comfort zones and accept expert advice. New techniques and strategies can feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It's natural to want to stick to what feels safe and known, yet this can limit our growth and potential, especially when it comes to sales. This episode is in…
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EP 478 Unlock the Power of Your Core Offer: The Key to Rapid Business Growth
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Discover how a well-crafted core offer can simplify marketing, boost customer satisfaction, and drive explosive growth. Join host Tracy as he explores the significance of core offers, shares real-world examples, and provides actionable insights to help you define your own compelling offer. Listen now to transform your business! In this episode of T…
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Would you like to find a subtle way to get your message across without selling or sounding pushy? If so, you might want to use the secret weapon of creating curiosity. In this on-air coaching call, Nikki and an amazing Sales Maven Society member Tracey Wheeler explore ways to create curiosity during networking events. Tracey, the owner of Sunny Vir…
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Avoiding Assumptions - How Assigning Motive to Prospects Harms Your Sales Success
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If you've ever caught yourself making assumptions about your clients' motives, you're not alone—and it could be holding you back from true success. In this episode, Nikki dives deep into the dangers of assigning motives to your prospects and clients, and how these assumptions can derail even the most promising sales opportunities. It's easy to fall…
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If the thought of prospecting makes you uneasy, especially if you don't see yourself as a traditional salesperson, you're not alone. In this episode, Nikki shares straightforward strategies to simplify prospecting and help you start building your business, attracting new clients, and exploring new possibilities. Prospecting is crucial for success, …
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Have you ever wondered how a customer-centric retention strategy might help you grow your business, boost your clients' lifetime value, and make it easier for them to stay loyal to you? In today's episode, Nikki provides practical tactics for increasing client retention and encouraging repeat business. This episode is inspired by a chat with a clie…
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Secrets to Eliciting Powerful Client Reviews & Testimonials
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Have you ever wondered how the power of authentic testimonials and glowing reviews can transform your business, attract more of your ideal clients, and even boost your SEO? In today's episode, Nikki shares actionable strategies to elicit powerful client reviews and testimonials to give your business a boost. The inspiration for this episode comes f…
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How to Recommend What A Client Needs vs. What They’re Asking For When The Two Don’t Align
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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a client’s request doesn’t quite match what you know they need? In today's episode, Nikki explores how to recommend the best solutions for your clients, even when it means suggesting something different from what they initially asked for. Nikki shares how to use your expertise to guide the conversat…
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Crafting a Profitable Visionary Schedule for Business Success
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Are you feeling stuck in endless busy work? Are you pushing your biggest goals aside, only to feel drained at the end of the day? Do you have big dreams and know what you want, but you’re just not moving forward? Today's podcast is going to change all of that. Nikki is honored and excited to have her good friend and previous guest, Liz Hartke, on t…
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The Habits Of Story That Amplify Your Impact - Mastering Excellence Series
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Do you have a "Tiny Story"? The kind of story your audience will tune into while becoming your biggest fan. If you're still finding your story or working on improving your story, this episode is for you. As part of our Mastering Excellence Series, Nikki is delighted to share this conversation with Lindsay Hotmire, an expert strategic storyteller. Y…
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EP 477 Unlock Millions: The Unique Top 100 Marketing Strategy Revealed
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In this urgent and actionable episode of 'The Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast,' host Tracy Brinkmann unveils the unique 'Top 100 Strategy' by Russel Brunson – a powerful method that's helping entrepreneurs earn millions. Learn how to craft your ideal customer avatar, connect with key influencers, and transition from an outsider to a trusted authori…
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When to Use The “Less Is More” Approach In Sales
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What is your success rate? Would you like it to go up? Today, Nikki shares an approach designed to do exactly that. It's the “less is more” approach. Sometimes we get into a mindset of “more is more.” There are times when we need to pull back a little bit, and that's what today’s show is all about. From the poet Robert Browning to the architect Lud…
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EP 476 Stand Out with Simplicity: Doja Cat’s Bold Move & How to Use Authenticity to Get Noticed
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In this episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, host Tracy Brinkmann breaks down the power of simplicity and authenticity through the lens of Doja Cat’s stunningly simple yet impactful look at the 2024 Met Gala. Learn how going against the grain and embracing your true self can cut through the noise and make a lasting impression. We discuss…
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Scaling Business Through Automation & Delegation - Mastering Excellence Series - With Special Guest Mike Abramowitz
44:27
44:27
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Time is one of our scarcest resources. As entrepreneurs, effectively managing time frees us to focus on strategic activities to grow our sales and business. As part of our Mastering Excellence Series, Nikki is delighted to interview Mike Abramowitz, an expert on scaling businesses through automation and delegation. Mike has 20 years of experience i…
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EP 475 Beat Content Creation Burnout: 5 Proven Strategies for Consistent and Impactful Content
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Struggling with content creation burnout? In this episode of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, host Tracy Brinkmann reveals five proven strategies to keep your content fresh, engaging, and impactful. Discover how to overcome creative blocks, streamline your workflow with tools like Asana, master content repurposing, and leverage AI tools such as…
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How Stepping Into The CEO Role Supports Sales - Sales Success Story
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Nikki is thrilled to share another Sales Success Story from one of her brilliant, amazing, and very talented Sales Maven Society members, Patricia Viscount. In this episode, we dive into Patricia's business and get a before-and-after snapshot of her success since joining the Sales Maven Society. Patricia's confidence and success have increased dram…
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Branding For Introverts - Mastering Excellence Series
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Today’s episode is part of Nikki’s Mastering Excellence series, and Nikki is happy to be sitting down with Tanya Goodall Smith, author of The Introvert's Guide to Personal Branding: How to Put Yourself Out There Without Changing Who You Are. Tanya founded WorkStory Creative, an agency that helps introverts who are evolving their business create an …
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EP 474 The Foundation of Success: Three Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Answer
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In this pivotal episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, dive deep into the three critical questions that determine the success of every entrepreneur: Who are you serving? What problem are you solving? Why should customers choose your product? Host Tracy Brinkmann breaks down these foundational queries with actionable insights and real-world…
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Maximizing Networking Opportunities - Sales Success Story
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Nikki is happy to welcome Samantha Irwin to the podcast today! With over 25 years of experience in leadership, Samantha inspires and educates teams to create exceptional customer experiences that foster loyalty and advocacy, driving both financial success and heartfelt service for brick-and-mortar businesses. Samantha’s dual background in middle sc…
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How To Use AI In Your Business While Still Delivering A High Touch Experience For Clients
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Nikki welcomes Danielle LaFleur to the podcast this week. Danielle is a transformative keynote speaker with 30 years of experience in Marketing, IT, Network Design, and Leadership Training. As the founder of Easy As Pie Design, she excels in strategic planning and AI integration for digital marketing. Danielle holds degrees from the University of W…
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EP 473 10 Unmissable Steps to Unleash Your Entrepreneurial Potential and Build an Unstoppable Business
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In this power-packed episode of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, host Tracy Brinkmann reveals 10 unmissable steps that aspiring entrepreneurs must take before diving into their business ventures. Learn how to align your why with your strengths, conduct market research to uncover profitable opportunities, and create a solid business plan to guid…
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Questions To Ask In Consult Calls - Sales Success Story
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Nikki’s guest today is returning guest Jill Shroyer, the CEO and Lead HR Consultant at Expedition HR. An expert on how to conduct tough conversations. Jill teaches businesses how to have tough conversations without feeling like a jerk! Businesses hire Expedition HR to provide on-demand, on-call expert HR and tough conversation support and guidance …
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Boost Sales with Google Business Profile - Essential Strategies for Maximizing Visibility & Engagement
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Today’s guest is Melissa Rose. Melissa started her business The Dancing House in the basement of her home where she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her in the pack and play. With passion, resilience, and tenacity, she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe…
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EP 472 Unlock the Secrets of the Content Marketing Funnel: 4 Steps Of Content Marketing
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https://DarkHorseSchooling.com In this enlightening episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, we dive deep into the content marketing funnel, revealing how each stage—Awareness, Evaluation, Purchase, and Delight—can dramatically transform your marketing strategy and boost your business success. From initial awareness to final delight, learn a…
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Selling With Confidence - Sales Success Story
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Nikki is honored to have today’s guest, Marcie Towle, on Sales Maven. Marcie is the owner of Dragon Fire Coaching, where she helps clients ignite greatness in their lives by teaching them how to build Inner Wealth™ using Nurtured Heart Approach®. Marcie has spent her entire career helping others lead their best lives. She is a certified Advanced Tr…
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How To Prepare For Difficult Conversations - Sales Success Story
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Today’s guest was on the show before, back in episode 157, and your host, Nikki Rausch, is so thrilled to have her back! Join her as she catches up with Faithann Basore, a valued member of the Sales Maven Society, to share her latest success story in the latest episode of Sales Maven. Faithann and her husband Dave have owned Window Cleaning Plus (W…
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EP 471 Unlock Side Hustle Success: 3 Critical Insights to Transform Your Approach
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https://DarkHorseSchooling.com Embark on a journey to entrepreneurial success with our latest episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, where we unveil three crucial insights every side hustler needs to know. Learn the transformative power of starting small to manage risks and foster growth, the critical importance of market validation to ens…
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How To Get Noticed At Virtual Events To Attract Your Ideal Client
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Many of us attend virtual events to build connections. You can do things to set yourself up for success and get noticed by your ideal clients. Ultimately, it’s about attracting them to you. Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yoursel…
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Word Choice Matters When Selling - Sales Success Story
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Many entrepreneurs debate creating a unique voice on social media. It’s understandable for brands to question the wording they use when there’s so much content out there. After all, your word choice is how your ideal clients recognize how aligned you are with their needs. What words connect with them the most? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausc…
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EP 470 Unlock $10K Month as a Student: Proven Strategies to Boost Your Income Now!
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Are you a student or teenager eager to escape the conventional income routes and earn $10,000 a month? This episode of 'The Dark Horse Entrepreneur' podcast dives deep into the realities of making substantial money online. Discover actionable strategies, debunk common myths, and learn how to choose the right business model to start your financial j…
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The One Question I Wish People Would Stop Asking Me As A Sales Coach
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Some questions send us on a spiral, while others aim our trajectory. If you switch out spiral questions for trajectory questions, you’ll find that you get so much more from your coach. How do you turn a spiral question into a trajectory question? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master yo…
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Making Buying Easier For Your Clients - Sales Success Story
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Your ideal clients are excited to start their journey. They’re finally ready for action and don’t want to be thrown off course by distractions. You want to make your sales conversations, offers, and solutions as easy as possible to create a seamless experience for them. Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and…
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How To Come Up With Your Next Business Idea - Mastering Excellence Series
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Life is filled with inspiration for your next business idea. All that’s left to do is to tap into your passion and figure out which idea to pursue. Where will your passion for business take you next? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to pos…
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The Confidence That Comes From Up-Leveling Your Selling Skills - Sales Success Story
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Improving your sales skills supports your business in two major ways. First, potential clients understand your business better. Second, you develop more self trust in how you handle sales conversations. What could you do to build self trust to support your expertise? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and st…
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EP 469 Unveiling the Perfect Side Hustle: What Side Hustle Can I Do
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In this enlightening episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of side hustling, unveiling a practical roadmap for hardworking parents and aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the vast spectrum of side hustles, tailor the perfect hustle to your unique lifestyle, and share inspiring success stories and caut…
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Creating Boundaries That Save You Time - Sales Success Story
24:35
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As a thoughtful entrepreneur, you strive to provide the best service to your clients and community. You might notice that offering such high value can get out of hand if you don’t set intentional expectations. How are you communicating expectations that protect your business and well-being? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer …
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EP 468 Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Spirit: Master Quizzes for Growth
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In this compelling episode of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur, host Tracy Brinkmann takes you on a journey through the innovative world of quizzes for lead generation with the guidance of marketing maven Tai Goodwin. Dive deep into the unique approach that transformed Tai's business landscape and how it can revolutionize yours. Uncover the secrets to p…
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How To List Build - Mastering Excellence Series
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Marketing is all about conversations. You attract your audience through what you talk about and how you engage with potential clients. An email list creates a friendly ongoing conversation between you and your ideal clients. Have you invited your ideal clients to this opportunity? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, tech…
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EP 467 Turn Side Hustle Setbacks into Success: Mastering the Art of Resilience
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Dive into an eye-opening journey through the most common yet overlooked side hustle mistakes that every entrepreneur faces. This episode of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur doesn't just highlight the blunders; it transforms them into beacons of wisdom and stepping stones towards success. From the infamous domain name debacle to the cautionary tales of g…
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How To Create Wealth Online - Mastering Excellence
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Online business changes the lives of so many people, which is why it’s such a sought-after goal. Many people make it seem easy so there’s confusion about how to make an online business successful. What does it really take to thrive in online business? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to mast…
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EP 466 Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Focus: Master the Art of Choosing Wisely
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In this transformative episode of "The Dark Horse Entrepreneur Podcast," dive deep into the art of honing your entrepreneurial focus amidst the overwhelming sea of online money-making methods. Discover the power of the three critical filters—proven effectiveness, alignment with personal capabilities, and true passion—to sift through the noise and p…
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How To Create Messages that Bring People in Without Shutting Others Out - Mastering Excellence
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People can feel left out or annoyed by content without the brand realizing the impact of what’s published. Awareness of different ways of being is important for brands to consider. Placing yourself in another person’s experience helps you understand the world differently and possibly helps you avoid a hurtful misunderstanding. Your very own Sales M…
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EP 465 Winning the Entrepreneurial Race: Unleashing Motivation & Mastering Goals
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Dive into the heart of entrepreneurial ad life challenges with "Winning the Entrepreneurial Race," a riveting episode of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur podcast. This episode unravels the complexities of motivation and goal-setting through an engaging race analogy, offering unique insights and actionable strategies tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs a…
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The Sales Maven Society welcomes another Member Appreciation Celebration for the fourth year in a row! This tradition reflects Nikki’s philosophy to “surprise & delight” people when there’s a chance to do so. What other reasons does Nikki uphold this tradition? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategi…
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EP 464 Unlocking Billionaire Secrets: Transform Your Life in 6 Months
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Explore the unwritten rules of becoming a billionaire in this captivating episode. From the power of focused relationships to the art of resilience, each insight offers a step towards personal and financial freedom. Discover how to use criticism as fuel, maintain privacy for progress, and harness the transformative power of just six months. Join us…
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How To Avoid Tarnishing Your Reputation With A Bad Referral
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Clients view your referrals as an extension of yourself. Bad referrals backfire and ripple into the relationship you have with your clients. What can you do to buffer or completely avoid such situations? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to…
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EP 463 Redefine Success: Unleash Your Inner Maverick with Dark Horse Strategies
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In this pivotal episode of the podcast. Why you should not listen to this podcast, we embark on a journey that defies the conventional, urging you to question the norms and carve your own path to success. Discover why the usual advice might not be your ticket to success and how embracing your unique journey with our "Whiskered Wisdom" can lead to u…
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